New Moon

The poetic and passionate music of a man who brings his ancient culture into the twentieth century, in collaboration with musicians from South America and the Ukraine.

Abdelli is a Berber of the Kabyle people, indigenous North Africans who have inhabited the region since pre-Arab times. His instrument is the mandole, an Algerian instrument that is similar to the Portuguese guitar. Abdelli deftly blends traditional Berber music with Arab music of the urban environment.

His musical ensemble includes Moroccans, a percussionist on darbukka and bendir, violinist, and a Tunisian ney (flute) player. He currently lives in exile in Belgium, and has won continental acclaim for his performances and collaborations throughout Europe and for his recordings with the Real World label.

Reviews

.. Abdelli pays homage to the wailing call-to-prayer heard from minarets of every Muslim city around the world, but what makes this album unique is the recruitment of musicians from Chile and the Ukraine...
March/April 1996
Option (USA)